PTE Academic Preparation Course – Day 26

Achieve Your Perfect Score of 90 in PTE Academic

Welcome to Day 26 of your comprehensive PTE Academic preparation journey. Today’s focus is on Speaking Skills, specifically revisiting “Answer Short Question” and “Repeat Sentence” tasks. Having practiced these tasks before, you will now work on improving your speed, clarity, and accuracy further—this time with more complex or less familiar subject matter. The goal is to respond promptly, maintain clear pronunciation, and ensure each response is precise and relevant.

Objectives

Review the “Answer Short Question” and “Repeat Sentence” Task Formats
Refine Techniques for Quick Information Retrieval and Memory Retention
Practice with More Complex, Unfamiliar Topics and Advanced Vocabulary
Improve Pronunciation, Fluency, and Response Speed Under Pressure
Build Confidence in Managing Unexpected Content and Maintaining Accuracy

Estimated Time: 2 Hours

Materials Needed

Device: Computer or smartphone with internet access
Headphones and Microphone
Notebook and Pen
Access to PTE Practice Platforms or Websites
Dictionary or Thesaurus
Recording Device (optional for self-assessment)

Schedule and Activities

1. Reviewing “Answer Short Question” and “Repeat Sentence” Task Formats (20 Minutes)

a. Task Format Overview

Answer Short Question:

Instructions:
You hear a short question.
Provide a brief, correct answer (usually one word or a short phrase).
Test general knowledge or common concepts.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Correct and directly relevant answer.
Fluency/Pronunciation: Clear and understandable response.

Repeat Sentence:

Instructions:
You hear a sentence once.
Repeat it exactly, maintaining word order and pronunciation.
Focus on capturing every word accurately.
Scoring Criteria:
Content: Verbatim repetition.
Fluency/Pronunciation: Smooth, clear, and confident delivery.

b. Strategies Recap

Answer Short Question:
Listen carefully, identify the key concept.
Respond with the shortest, clearest correct answer.
Don’t hesitate or add unnecessary words.
Repeat Sentence:
Use chunking techniques: break sentence into phrases.
Repeat in mind once before speaking.
Concentrate on pronouncing each word distinctly.

2. Strengthening Memory and Quick Response Techniques (30 Minutes)

a. Memory Drills for Repeat Sentence (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Start with 10–12-word Sentences:

Listen, repeat verbatim.

Increase Length and Complexity:

Move to sentences with academic or technical words.

Focus on Troublesome Words:

If you miss certain terms, write them down and practice their pronunciation.

Record Attempts:

Check for missed words or altered word order.

b. Rapid Answering for Answer Short Question (15 Minutes)

Instructions:

Time-limited Responses:

Give yourself a maximum of 3 seconds to respond after hearing the question.

Variety of Topics:

General knowledge: “What do we call a baby frog?” → “Tadpole.”
Academic terms: “What instrument measures temperature?” → “Thermometer.”

Self-assessment:

Verify accuracy.
If unsure, look up answers post-practice.

3. Practicing “Answer Short Question” with Unfamiliar Topics (40 Minutes)

a. Practice Exercises (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Select 15 Answer Short Question items.

Unfamiliar Fields:

Science (e.g., “What gas do plants absorb for photosynthesis?”)
Literature (e.g., “Who wrote ‘Pride and Prejudice’?”)
Geography (e.g., “What is the capital of Canada?”)

Immediate Responses:

Respond within 3 seconds.
Keep answers concise.

Check Accuracy:

Confirm correctness after practice.
Note areas of weakness in general knowledge.

Practice Example:

Question: “What do we call a person who studies human societies and cultures?”
Answer: “Anthropologist.”

b. Self-assessment and Review (10 Minutes)

Analyze Mistakes:
Did you misunderstand the question or hesitate too long?
Improve Strategy:
If general knowledge is lacking, do quick fact reviews or note tricky questions for later study.
Apply Feedback:
Next attempt, respond more confidently and succinctly.

4. Practicing “Repeat Sentence” with More Complex Sentences (40 Minutes)

a. Increasing Complexity and Vocabulary (30 Minutes)

Instructions:

Use PTE Practice Websites:

Choose 10 repeat sentence items with more academic or technical terms.

First Listening:

Mentally segment the sentence into manageable parts.

Speak Immediately:

Don’t delay; deliver the sentence confidently.

Check for Accuracy:

If available, compare your response to the original sentence.

Practice Example:

Sentence Heard: “The biochemistry lecture emphasized how cellular enzymes regulate metabolic pathways.”
Your Response: Check if you said “biochemistry,” “emphasized,” “cellular enzymes,” “regulate,” and “metabolic pathways” correctly and in the right order.

b. Self-assessment and Enhancement (10 Minutes)

Note Consistent Errors:
Are certain words challenging?
Do you skip small words (articles, prepositions)?
Improve Techniques:
Focus on carefully pronouncing each syllable of tricky words.
Repeat problematic sentences multiple times.
Track Progress:
Aim for fewer errors and smoother delivery each attempt.

5. Vocabulary Building (20 Minutes)

a. Words for Clear and Direct Speech

Word List with Examples:

1. Concise (adjective)
Definition: Giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words.
Sentence: “Your answers should be concise and to the point.”
2. Verbatim (adverb)
Definition: In exactly the same words as originally used.
Sentence: “Repeat the sentence verbatim without changing any words.”
3. Impromptu (adjective)
Definition: Done without being planned or rehearsed.
Sentence: “Answering short questions often feels impromptu.”
4. Distinctly (adverb)
Definition: In a way that is clearly noticeable or defined.
Sentence: “Pronounce each word distinctly for better clarity.”
5. Acuity (noun)
Definition: Sharpness or keenness of thought or vision.
Sentence: “Listening acuity helps catch every word accurately.”
6. Equate (verb)
Definition: Consider one thing to be the same as or equivalent to another.
Sentence: “Do not equate longer sentences with difficulty; focus on structure.”
7. Immediately (adverb)
Definition: Without delay or hesitation.
Sentence: “Respond immediately after hearing the short question.”
8. Reinforce (verb)
Definition: Strengthen or support an idea.
Sentence: “Revisiting these tasks regularly will reinforce your skills.”
9. Straightforward (adjective)
Definition: Simple and easy to understand.
Sentence: “Some questions are straightforward, requiring no explanation.”
10. Unanimously (adverb)
Definition: Without opposition; with the agreement of all.
Sentence: “The committee unanimously agreed on the decision.”

b. Activities

Write Definitions in Own Words:

Paraphrase each definition.

Create Sentences:

Use each word in context of speaking tasks.

Flashcards:

Review often for better retention.

Synonyms and Antonyms:

Expand lexical range further.

6. Improving Pronunciation, Fluency, and Confidence (20 Minutes)

a. Tongue Twisters and Speed Drills (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Select Tongue Twisters:

“Truly rural,” “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

Increase Speed Gradually:

Maintain clarity at higher speeds.

Record and Listen:

Identify unclear sounds, correct them in subsequent attempts.

b. Confidence Techniques (10 Minutes)

Instructions:

Visualization:

Imagine confidently answering or repeating sentences under exam conditions.

Positive Self-talk:

Acknowledge improvements and trust your practice process.

Short Breaks:

Prevent fatigue and maintain focus.

7. Reflection and Goal Setting (15 Minutes)

a. Self-Reflection Questions

Do you feel more confident repeating more complex sentences accurately?
Are you providing correct, concise answers to short questions promptly?
Which techniques best improved your speed and accuracy for these speaking tasks?

b. Goal Setting for Tomorrow

Goal 1: “I will practice repeating sentences with more specialized vocabulary to enhance adaptability.”
Goal 2: “I will focus on general knowledge enrichment for answering short questions more confidently.”

c. Journal Entry

Write About:
Today’s speaking tasks experiences.
Improvements or breakthroughs noticed.
Future focus areas.

8. Optional Extension Activity (35 Minutes)

a. Additional Speaking Practice

Podcasts or Short Lectures:

Try repeating complex sentences from a podcast.

General Knowledge Quizzes:

Improve your pool of information to answer short questions quickly.

Peer Feedback:

If available, exchange recordings with a partner for feedback.

b. Vocabulary Quizzes

Apps:
Quiz yourself on today’s vocabulary set.
Track Progress:
Aim for steady improvement in lexical usage.

Summary of Day 26

Today, you have:

Revisited and Enhanced Techniques for Answer Short Question and Repeat Sentence Tasks.
Practiced Handling More Complex Sentences and Unfamiliar Topics.
Improved Memory Retention, Pronunciation, Fluency, and Accuracy.
Developed Better Time Management and Confidence Under Pressure.
Set Personal Goals for Continuous Improvement.

Preparation for Day 27

Focus: Listening Skills – Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word (Review and Additional Practice)

Action Items:

Revisit Summarize Spoken Text and Select Missing Word tasks.
Prepare for more advanced practice with challenging accents and intricate content.

Additional Resources

Speaking Practice:
PTE Academic Official Practice Tests: Practice Speaking Tasks
General Knowledge Resources:
Online encyclopedias, fact-based websites to broaden your knowledge pool.
Vocabulary Apps:
Magoosh or Vocabulary.com: Continue refining word choice.
Pronunciation Tools:
Forvo: Check pronunciations of unfamiliar words.

Tips for Success

Consistent Practice: Regular exposure to difficult sentences and questions builds adaptability.
Focus on Key Words: In Repeat Sentence, identify main nouns and verbs for better retention.
Concise Answers: In Short Questions, brevity ensures correctness and clarity.
Time-bound Drills: Simulating exam conditions improves speed and reduces hesitation.
Reflect and Adapt: Use each attempt’s feedback to refine strategies and grow.

Congratulations on Completing Day 26!

By dedicating time and effort today, you’ve further enhanced your speaking abilities, particularly in delivering precise and swift responses for Answer Short Question and Repeat Sentence tasks. Keep honing these skills as you progress toward achieving a perfect PTE Academic score.

Stay Tuned for Day 27!

Note: All external links are provided for educational purposes. Ensure internet access to utilize these resources.

Share Your Progress

We encourage you to share your experiences and progress with others:

Join Our Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners for tips and support.
Feedback: Let us know how Day 26 went for you and any suggestions to improve the course.

Remember: Consistent practice and a proactive approach to learning are keys to success. Keep pushing forward and revisit any sections as needed.

Best of luck on your journey to mastering the PTE Academic!